New students from 43 states and 30 countries filled Chapels Field for the annual Convocation ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 21, the theme of which was “remember yesterday, explore today, brighten tomorrow.”

Dean of Students Jamele Adams opened the event for the Class of 2020 by introducing the Orientation Core Committee, which was made up of Maggie Ziegel ’18, Charlotte Aaron ’18, Philip Cooper ’18 and Deena Fisch ’18.

“We are so honored to welcome the class of 2020 and our transfer students,” Ziegel told the students and their families. “This year’s orientation is meant to be a guide as to how to get the most of your years at Brandeis. You are now part of an intricate fabric that makes up our Brandeis community, and that is now a title — and a family — that you can hold onto forever.”

In her remarks, Aaron noted that the inspiration for this year’s orientation theme was the art installation “The Light of Reason,” which itself is inspired by the Louis Brandeis quote, “If we would guide by the light of reason, we must let our minds be bold.”

After Cooper discussed the various pre-orientation programs and opportunities for students on campus, Fisch took the podium to offer some advice to the first-years and transfer students. “Your past experiences will guide you as you navigate this new story, but I implore you to go beyond the confines of your comfort. Expand your horizons and explore your new surroundings with the understanding that you’ve joined a very unique community, a family that will be with you every step of the way,” she said.

Fisch then introduced University President Ron Liebowitz, who took office on July 1. Liebowitz thanked the students, faculty and staff who helped out with move in and orientation before addressing the new students. “To all of you new students, we share something in common: we are both first-years,” he said. “I, however, have a seven-week head start. … Though seven weeks is a relatively short time, I have learned much that probably affirms what you saw in Brandeis when you decided to become Brandeisians.”

Through his weekly office hours, meetings and walks around campus, he explained, he has noticed several things about campus. First, he said, “there is great passion towards and loyalty for the institution on the part of the faculty and staff, and for the faculty and staff on the part of Brandeis alumni.” He added that the opportunities afforded students interested in research and liberal arts are unmatched at other universities.

“There’s a special openness among students, faculty and staff to engage one another, even on difficult topics, and a passion to advocate for the underdog. … This passion for inclusion, openness and debate — something that has become tenuous on many college and university campuses — should not come as a surprise,” he said, citing the University’s history as an institution for those often turned away from other schools due to their race, religion or ethnicity.

Liebowitz cited critical thinking and tikkun olam — a Jewish concept which literally means “repairing the world” — as two values that push students to engage in social justice issues on campus and around the world.

Before closing his remarks, Liebowitz offered several pieces of advice to the new students: first, jump in and don’t be afraid of joining clubs or organizations. Second, he noted, students should learn and live in the University’s history, as knowing its values and commitments will help create an inclusive space. Lastly, he advised, either build a community or join one and improve it from within.

Following Liebowitz, Adams took the podium once more to lead the students in a round of cheering and applause and to introduce Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel.

“If you were looking for a place where everyone is the same and you can be a passive learner, then, frankly, you may be in the wrong spot,” Flagel told the crowd. “But for those of you energized by finding others like you — along with far more who differ — if you are a leader determined to define your success not just in dollars but also by the impact you will have on the world, there is no better place.”

He added that, while many students are accustomed to a high level of success and achievement, the University is a place of personal growth — both in the classroom and outside. “We have a responsibility to keep you from harm but also to keep you open to being challenged — challenged by new ideas, new ways to collaborate and communicate,” Flagel said. “Mistakes are where you will find your greatest learning experiences.”

Flagel closed his remarks by repeating a quote from “Curious George” author Margaret Rey — who taught creative writing at the University — that he recited last year: “‘Now don’t get into trouble.’ And George promised to be good. But it is easy for little monkeys to forget.”

“With all of the opportunity at Brandeis comes responsibility. You are already leaders. Continue to push us and this institution. Seek the change you want to see in the world. We will often remind you that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he emphasized. “Or, as I prefer, the line from Spider-Man: ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’”

—Mihir Khanna contributed reporting.